BBC Music announced that Spring King, Izzy Bizu and Sundara Karma will kick off the first BBC Music Presents US tour - a partnership between BBC, Live Nation and the GREAT Britain campaign - showcasing the best UK talent in the US.

Beginning in November 2016 and running over the following 12 months, BBC Music Presents will deliver four tours across the East and West coast of America, with the first tour visiting the following cities:

New York City, Monday 14 November 2016

Boston, Tuesday 15 November 2016

Philadelphia, Friday 18 November 2016

Cleveland, Sunday 20 November 2016

Detroit, Tuesday 22 November 2016

Chicago, Wednesday 23 November 2016

As part of the tour, artists will also perform in an exclusive showcase in Washington, DC.

The new international initiative, in partnership with and backed by Live Nation and the GREAT Britain campaign, sees the BBC working as the curators of British talent and aims to build awareness globally of the longstanding relationship the BBC has with music, highlighting the breadth of talent that has been supported across BBC Music networks. It also demonstrates the ambition to extend the BBC Music brand to major festival stages in the states and across other territories.

Izzy Bizu says: "Can’t believe we’ve been chosen to do the BBC US Tour. It’s going to be a lot of firsts for us… first time doing a show in the US, let alone a tour and the first time sleeping on a tour bus! Can’t wait. It’s going to be quite an experience!”

Spring King say: “We’re incredibly grateful that the BBC has asked us to do this tour in America. We’ve always been overwhelmed by the support they’ve given us in the past, but this is on another level!

”We can’t wait to get out there. It’ll be the perfect end to a perfect year for us”

Oscar from Sundara Karma says: “We're very excited to be a part of this. It was BBC Introducing that gave us our first real break when we got to play Reading and Leeds Festival for the first time, and it’s fitting that they are behind getting us to the US for the first time which has been a lifelong dream. The opportunities that BBC Introducing has given us appear to be endless.”

Jason Carter, BBC Music, Head of International says: “BBC Music are delighted to be launching our first of four tours of North America across the next 12 months, in partnership with Live Nation and the GREAT Britain campaign.

"These gigs will showcase the brightest UK talent supported by the BBC from very early on at BBC local level in the UK through to national exposure, and now internationally. BBC Music will continue to extend our public service commitment to artists globally ”

Aaron Wilson, Live Nation says: "Considering the BBC has set the precedent for discovering the next big thing first, Live Nation jumped at the opportunity to collaborate. Together, we are proud to present a tour that will premiere emerging UK artists in the US."

Clare Risman, Head of the GREAT Britain campaign USA says: “The UK’s music industry is one of the most exciting and dynamic in the world. Half of the top-selling 10 global albums in 2015 were from the UK and we look forward to Spring King, Izzy Bizu and Sundara Karma being included in that list soon.

"The Department for International Trade (DIT) is delighted to partner with BBC Music on this series and are excited to bring British music talent to US audiences.”

Notes to Editors:

BBC Music

BBC Music is the corporation’s strongest commitment to music in 30 years – comprising of new partnerships and ground-breaking music initiatives led by Director Bob Shennan.

Initiatives have included the BBC Music Awards on BBC One, the classical music initiative for schools ‘Ten Pieces’ and BBC Music Day. The Bafta-nominated Adele at the BBC was broadcast on BBC One in November 2015, which included a sketch featuring Adele impersonators which has over 51m views on the BBC YouTube channel. A year long season of programming, celebrating the musical decades, ‘BBC Music: My Generation’, featuring films profiling the early years on Tom Jones and Keith Richards.

BBC Music exclusive commissions for BBC iPlayer include Amy Winehouse in her Own Words, and Lift Music with Jess Glynne, The Vamps and Craig David. Festivals, including Glastonbury, come alive on our digital platforms, with world leading coverage.

The BBC Music website is your first step to a personalised music service with playlists of your favourite tracks and the ability to follow the artists you love.

In February 2016, a brand new BBC Music app was launched, packed with exclusive music performances, interviews and playlists from across BBC TV, Radio and Online and tailored to your musical taste.

About the GREAT Britain campaign

The GREAT Britain campaign is the Government’s largest ever international campaign promoting the best of Britain. Active in over 144 countries, it encourages the world to visit, study and do business with the UK with a goal of promoting jobs and growth for the UK.

With 58 owned/operated/managed clubs and theaters, the House of Blues Entertainment portfolio, a division of Live Nation, is wide-ranging including the legendary Fillmores and the intimate House of Blues clubs throughout the United States. House of Blues Entertainment is the country’s pre-eminent live music venue collection featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom-designed environments aimed to bring fans and artists together in unparalleled musical environments